A dominating physical monster in high school and college, JC Latham has all the qualities of a traditional right tackle.
JC Latham – Offensive tackle – 21 years old – Junior – Alabama
Height: 1.98 m
Weight: 155 kg
2023 Stats: 14 matches, 2 sacks, 3 QB Hits and 14 pressures conceded
Estimated position in the draft: top 20
NFL Comparison: Jawaan Taylor
After a more than linear journey, JC Latham is where he needs to be, in the position for which he has been programmed for half a decade. Few offensive linemen enjoy star status even before they finish high school. Latham is one of those exceptions. From the IMG Academy, factory of champions, to the University of Alabama, factory of professionals, he will have ticked all the boxes reserved for can't-miss prospectsthese players whose footballing destiny leaves no shadow of doubt.
In just three seasons, including two as a starter, at Alabama, Latham has outclassed the university opposition, so much so that his presentation in the 2024 draft was a no-brainer. An express adaptation combined with a pedigree that precedes him, this physically gifted has everything, on paper, to continue his trajectory without a false note so far.
JC Latham's strengths
- Physical
- Hands
- Footwork
Identifying JC Latham's No. 1 asset doesn't require hours and hours of video analysis. The young man is an absolutely massive human being. But beyond his height and weight, his body shape will immediately make him one of the strongest players in the league. With his great wingspan and the power he generates from his legs, he is more than the prototype of the perfect tackle, he is the fantasy of all offensive line coaches and fans of power runs.
Looks aren't everything if you don't know how to use them. And Latham seems in harmony with his body, well aware that he is blessed by the gods of genetics. His hands are incredibly violent upon contact and his grip would make Teddy Riner jealous. Whether you are fast or powerful, getting rid of Latham's catches is almost impossible in the passing game.
If that's all there is to it, he would already be assured of a selection in the 1st round. What makes him one of the gems of one of the best tackling classes in history is his footwork. Despite its weight, its feet are constantly active. On the move, getting in his way in the running game is a suicidal proposition, especially since he's not one to stop before the referee's whistle.
JC Latham's weak points
- Balance
- Technical
- Interior protection
The faults of his qualities. A phrase that often comes up when evaluating players and of which Latham is no exception. Maintaining good balance with such mass is and will remain his biggest challenge at the professional level, especially against bull rushes. He also has the unfortunate tendency to throw himself a little too far forward when exiting a position. Unforgivable against the best rushers in the NFL.
When he seems beaten, Latham throws his technical fundamentals to the ground and resorts to using his strength in the wrong way. In 2022, this cost his team 12 penalties. A defect partly corrected last season, but which will have to be monitored. Finally, his lack of lateral speed makes him susceptible to changes in direction from rushers, particularly when they decide to attack the interior of the offensive line.
Possible destinations
Los Angeles Chargers, Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens
The pick at fifth would likely be controversial, but JC Latham is a lab-created tackle for Jim Harbaugh. At the time of reconstruction, offensive at least, starting from the base with a player perfectly suited to the new coach's system would not be surprising. With a trade to pick him a little later and rack up more draft picks, neither.
The Titans and Raiders have gaping holes at the tackle positions. Taking advantage of this historic class to strengthen yourself could not be more logical. The level of Abraham Lucas upon his return from injury last season could also push the Seahawks to be aggressive, during the draft, to solidify the right tackle position. The Ravens, for their part, are not accustomed to this, but could be seduced by the idea, if such potential were to slip on draft night.
